Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 9, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Nirmal Singh Jain passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 9, 2023.  Nirmal was born on July 18, 1937, in Kolkata, India to Kishore Mal Khinwsara and Genda Kumari Khinwsara. 

Nirmal and his six siblings were raised in Jodhpur, India.  Born to parents who were always supportive, encouraging and prioritized him seeking an advanced education they did not experience themselves, he headed to the United States after college to pursue his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan (go blue!).  Thereafter he moved to Cleveland to further his studies at Case Western Reserve — a decision that would change the trajectory of his life.  While living in a small dormitory there, Nirmal met a beautiful young German woman who rented another room - Ute Charlotte Magda Protsch.  He was immediately smitten by her classic beauty, smile, charm, warmth and of course, amazing cooking.  After dating her for a few months, he sealed the deal bringing her 24 roses on her 24th birthday and they were engaged soon after.  As Nirmal’s family in India was very close knit, their decision to marry and live in the U.S. was daunting but inexorable.  He was grateful for the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen in 1962 and always considered himself a patriot and proud American. They moved to New York state where they established roots and raised a family while Nirmal received his MBA at Polytechnic Institute and started his almost 40-year career with Witco Chemical Corporation.  He was a very well-respected general manager and vice president with an exemplary safety record and renowned for his expertise in polymer additives.  He completed his career as CEO and president of Baerlocher USA.

As a father, Nirmal was always patient, supportive and encouraging.  Their home was filled with laughter, hugs, kisses and no shortage of ‘I love you’s.’ He worked hard to provide his family with comfort and the ability to pursue further education. Weekends were spent playing doubles tennis as a family, going for walks, watching college football and road tripping.  After retirement he took up golf and really enjoyed the camaraderie and relaxation it provided him.  He was incredibly generous, helping others without expecting anything in return.  One of his proudest moments was being able as a young man to buy his father a Chevy Impala that he had shipped to India.  Nirmal was a role model to so many - known as dignified, brilliant and kind, yet always humble and understated.  He treated everyone he encountered with respect, even in a disagreement. 

If Nirmal wanted to be remembered for one thing, it was that he was a devout Jain.  Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence or Ahimsa.  Believing that every living thing is an individual with an eternal soul, he maintained his strict vegetarianism throughout his life, never swatting a fly or stepping on a spider.

Nirmal will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 amazing years, Ute Jain; daughter, Astrid Jain with her daughter, Alexa; daughter, Ingrid Howard and her husband, Kevin and their daughters, Remi and Kennedy.  Also surviving are his sisters, sisters and brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews throughout India and the U.S. 

Memorials may be offered in memory of Nirmal to the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org), The Cliffs Residents Outreach/Valley community (https://crocommunities.com/vmp/donate) or Jane’s Fund (www.shinelikejane.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.